The purpose of this procedure is to outline procedures for the handling of hazardous agents or carcinogens. To ensure these agents pose no hazard to animal care staff or other personnel in the animal facility, the following information should be readily available:
What type of hazardous agents/carcinogen is being used?
Where will the chemicals be mixed?
What is the route of administration?
Once metabolized is the substance more or less hazardous?
How is the substance excreted (urine, feces, exhaled, dermal)?
How are bedding and syringes disposed of?
Is there a neutralizer for the hazardous agent/carcinogen?
Hazardous agent/carcinogen may be administered by DCM staff or personnel from the laboratory performing the study. All hazardous agent/carcinogens must be listed in an approved Animal Use Protocol (Section 16).
Don appropriate personal protective equipment. Minimum requirements are mask, gloves, back closing gown, and eye protection. Some types of hazardous agent/carcinogen require disposable gowns or different types of masks to be worn. Check with dcm Manager to ensure protective wear is appropriate for the hazardous agent/carcinogen.
Administer all injectable hazardous agent/carcinogens to animals under a fume hood. Place an absorbent plastic back pad on the surface you are working on.
When administration is complete, roll up all used material into the absorbent pad, double bag and incinerate.
If necessary, house animals in a negative air flow room.
Person(s) administering the hazardous agent/carcinogen is (are) responsible for posting the appropriate signs on the animal room door indicating potential hazard and protective clothing required. Ensure date(s) of administration of hazardous agent/carcinogen is/are clearly indicated.
